Yappy New Year!!

Post Christmas

We hope everyone had a joyous & relaxing Christmas...we had a paw some time. Christmas Eve the humans enjoyed a full fledged turkey dinner with all the fix in's...Benson & his paw-rents joined in the delicious meal. Then friends popped in for a visit & "refreshments".

We opened our prezzies on Christmas Day...with Benson & family...and we want to share one very special gift Liesel's breeder sent to us...it's a wonderful book full of pictures of Liesel, her Mom & Dad and four sister puppies...even pics of them with their new families! A book we will cherish fur-ever!!

On the cover is her Mom, Sarotti & her litter mates..



Mama & Dad went to see the new Hobbit movie Christmas night...which gave the kritter kins a chance to catch up on some much needed sleep!

A Very Merry Christmas To All!!

It's hard to imagine when we started this blog in 2008.... we would still be going strong in 2014! And my thanks & appreciation go to you...our readers...our friends, our family & fellow bloggers. You've remained strong & steadfast..rejoicing in our good times and lending much needed support, prayers and compassion during our grief and sorrowful times.

It is our wish for you and your family a very Merry Christmas & much love and happiness in 2015!

Saddled Up & Ready to Go!!!

All buckled in & ready to go for a short drive...



Then we get out & walk & run & sniff....





Hmm...something mighty interesting in the leaves...



We don't want to jinx it or nuthin'...but no snow!! Wha-hoo!!

A Willing Student....

We enjoyed our first class of Puppy Kindergarden..and not that we are ones to brag...but Liesel did awesome....we were told how great we did! She is a quick learner..and a willing participant.

She is very timid & shy of new people and will bark at other dogs..but that will come in time. She already has mastered "Watch"...when she makes direct eye contact with me (since one person trains with the dog)..and can already hold eye contact for a count of 3 or 4...then she hears a click...and knows a treat is coming.

We practice at least 3-4 times daily...short sessions...

The instructors were pretty smitten with her & have fallen in love with her name too!

Liesel's First Day of School!!

Today....Liesel goes to school...we are all set with treat pouch & clickers. Class sizes are small....(max of four)...it should be fun! We have some work to do..as with any puppy..we need to work on some areas...such as:

#1 - Barking & lunging at people and/or other dogs especially when out walking..
#2 - Puppy nipping at hands & feet..

These are not huge issues...but we want to "nip" them in the bud..after 4 weeks of puppy K...we begin Basic Obedience.

In Liesel's defence..she has learned so much in less than three weeks since she arrived..

#1 - She knows her name...and comes running when called (treat reward optional...but that is the method)
#2 - She has learned to walk on harness & leash...like walking a sheep..she is everywhere...but still doing well...
#3 - And this is a big one...she is not quite as fearful of cars & large trucks...but that is a work in progress.
#4 - She loves the car & curls up in her seat & snoozes..

Potty training...is going well...for a doxie...schedule & repetition is key..weather permitting..we walk a couple of times a day...rain is simply not tolerated...

Now....who is up for a good old fashioned tug of war??



Wanna see who won?



Seriously? Does she need to be in my bed? (cause apparently she eats hers!!)




Pee S ** Liesel sends big waves to her family in Ontario! Thank you for allowing her to join our family!!

Rain, Rain & More Rain....

Everyone knows dachshunds usually hate the rain....and Liesel is no exception to that rule. We've been having torrential rain here for the last 24 hours...so getting her to do her busy-ness outside has been a challenge...

This was hubby out in the swampy back yard this morning...yep...the umbrella over her...



Santa Paws needs to bring her a rain coat!

We Need This Sign....

Liesel is Oskar's under-study in guard dog duty...

For Everything Else There is Mastercard.....

Happy 14th Birthday Oskar!!!!!

Here's to many more days relaxin' in the sun!!!

Yeah....I Think Oskar Likes Her...

We are waiting to hear the results of Oskar's blood & urine tests done yesterday & we are increasing his IBS medication from one per day to two per day.

UPDATE* - The test results are in & Oskar will remain on the kidney medication..and the blood anlysis range was ok (since Osk is administered Metacam regularly for his back...testing his liver function is important). So...all is good & we will continue to retest every 6 months.